About Nancy: Happy New Year

I'm wishing all of you a very Happy New Year. Good bye, 2009. What a year, what a decade.
I think this beautiful inspiration board created by Merci New York sums up through images what this year was all about - vintage details, dramatic accents balanced by soft feminine touches, unusual blooms, scripted calligraphy fonts, uptown chic, luxe chandeliers, colorful shoes, romantic bows, and pretty edible sweets.


Photo credits from top left: Thank You seals from KisForCalligraphy via One Lovely Day, wedding cake Real Simple, centerpiece Martha Stewart, swiss dot veil at Snippet & Ink, Chanel earrings, maccaroons Our Labor of Love via Wiley Valentine, gown Spring 2010 Vera Wang, tuxedo-inspired wine bottles Martha Stewart, bustforms Martha Stewart, anemone bouquet The Knot, Chanel nailpolish, Christian Louboutins Barneys New York, typewriter Jeffery Daniel via Green Wedding Shoes, save the date Ceci New York "Illume"

About Nancy: 3 Small Goals

During Wedding Floral Academy I preached how small businesses forget to make goals. We're all focused on the tasks at hand but we rarely sit and make goals - short term, medium range and/or long term goals.

I'm equally guilty of this so I thought I would just put it out there for everyone to scrutinize - 3 business and 3 personal short term goals.

When writing goals, I noticed that I often make the same fatal mistake. I

1) forget to write them down

2)make them so tough that I give up after a few days or

3) don't make them specific enough.

If you are like me and tend to write very general goals,(lose weight, be more patient, book more weddings, spend more time in the design studio and less on the computer,exercise more, and spend more time with family - blah blah blah), this year try to make it as specific and trackable as possible.

By writing them on my blog, I am hoping that you will keep me accountable(Oh God, I'm already panicking)!

I hope in sharing it, I'll finally be able to charter my progress and to be more ealistic. I'm keeping my list to 3 business, 3 personal short term(I consider 90 to 120 days - short term). Yes, I have long term goals but I think I'll keep them to myself for a little while.

Business

Goal #1 - Client/Financial: Take on 38 wedding projects in 2010 with a 5% increase in average $ per wedding(this is a decent goal). We are currently at 16. So I'm getting there. I feel good and I think with Lily(my lovely assistant on board), we are going to do great. Increasing the average/wedding will be a little harder but I want to stretch myself. I am giving myself a goal till end of March to get the calendar filled.

Let the Count Down Begin: 22

Goal #2 - Tech and Productivity: Get new Mac computer system up and running by end of January. After being a PC user since college(that's 20 + years) I am finally going to learn a new system. By switching to Mac I feel that I will gain productivity. This is so scary to me because I've been so comfortable with a PC but I think it's a good move. Sometimes we have to try new things.

Let the Count Down Begin: 30+ Days till Mac is up and running.

Goal #3 - Creativity: I'm devoting February to working on my craft. This is my challenge: take 10 unique floral projects and work on them during the month of Feb. This means that I will spend a couple hours each day roaming for new things, trying new floral combinations, and practicing techniques that I've never done or am rusty at.

As a floral designer, it's easy to spend time just writing proposals, going back to the same designs, and being distracted by blogs/twitter/facebook, you forget that it's the craft that's most important and what got you where you are at. If you are a creative person and want to take this 10 creative projects in 1 month challenge, let me know. We can do it together.

Let the Count Down Begin: 10 Creative Projects in Feb.

Stay tune for my personal goals!

Happy New Year!

(Now, for those of you who have a wedding business, how about you write down your goal).

Real Weddings: Wedding of the Year #10

Michelle and Andrew were married this year at Carmel Valley Ranch which is one of my secret favorite spots in the Carmel Valley Area.

Though many people have heard of Sonoma and Napa Valley, Carmel Valley remains a treasure. Only 2 1/2 hours from San Francisco, Carmel Valley is yet another wonderful option for brides and grooms looking for somewhere with a small town feel.

Here is the ceremony at this adorable chapel in Carmel by the Sea. The bride wanted a beautiful traditional church wedding.

Every bride has a budget and Michelle choose to design and make her own invitations, table numbers, escort cards, signs and menus to keep the cost down.

Long tables were filled with low arrangements that featured white and soft green foliage and flowers. She didn't skip on the chairs but did a simple basic linen.

The bride wanted a clean and modern feel so we used black ceramic Asian vases.


Clean brown simple napkins folded instead of a charger saved the bride a few dollars.

Another tip was cup cakes instead of a cake. Though many parts of this wedding was DIY, I couldn't tell, could you? Thank you Gillett Photography for your images.

Ask Nancy: Lost in Wedding Planning?

Hi NBB
Many of us cannot or are not planning on hiring a planner. Is there a program for people to learn how to plan their wedding. Sometimes, reading mags, blogs are helpful but not always. With so many books out there, which one is a good and AFFORDABLE tool. Suggestions?
On My Own in the East Bay

____________________________________

First off, On My Own, you really aren't on your own. There's more resources now than ever. You've inspired me to think of reposting my favorite bridal blogs(that's for a later post...not now).

However, sometimes with so many various blogs on tips it's hard to get focused.

Here is just my idea.

My good friends, Jubilee Lau and Jean Marks developed an all day, classroom style workshop wedding seminar called The Wedding University, just for brides like you who aren't planning on hiring a planner and don't know what they have gotten themselves into.

Last year, I was honored to be a professor at the Wedding University held at the Four Seasons SV. You bet I'm really jazzed about returning again. This is a great all day environment where you can learn from many insider's on all subjects wedding.

Unlike a standard bridal fair were you wander around aimlessly in an exhibition hall, this is an actual seminar where you learn about each category and the various resources out there. Set in a classroom setting, you will see lectures in many categories covering almost all your wedding questions.

The best part: You can also sample good food provided by the kitchens at the Four Seasons Hotel, see live demostration from make up artists, and even learn to dance(if I'm correct).

I wish when I was planning I had taken a course like this. If I had, I would have known that there were so many lighting options which John Woods from Enhanced Lighting will be demostrating or more about photography(actually, I think I know enough given that I live with Kevin Chin). What is painfully obvious is that an all day wedding seminar is possibly a great way to spend time with your fiance.

Isn't that so true?

Maybe not, but I know that when I was planning my own wedding, KC(Kevin) couldn't attend all the meetings and I had to do most of the research by myself. If I could have taken him to a non pressured bridal seminar, I could have save so much headaches and time.

This truly is a great thing, especially if you are anything like me who like to see things rather than read the "FINE" print and go through tons of magazines.

Hope to see you there! (Here's the link to the registration form - what could be easier?)

About Nancy: Wishing you Happy Holidays

Admitting that I stole(more like borrowed) this from decor 8's Leslie Shewring guest blog "Color Me Pretty" and also from GreenWeddingShoes blog(which is about the best thing in the blog world this year!) is the least of my worries today. It's just about the most perfect way to say, Happy Holidays and better than anything I could have done myself...truly. So if I get some coal for stealing something so pretty, I'm ok with it...as long as I can wish the world this....for 2010.

Peaceful Dreams

Warm Cookies

Someone to Hold your Hand

Non Toxic Friendships and Relationships

Better Drivers

Long Lingering Hugs

Extra helpings of Ice Cream

Broad, Toothy Smiles

Something to Do that you Love

Soulful Love Ballads

Gratitude & Gracefulness

Good Health

and a little more....Diversity

Real Weddings: Wedding of the Year #9

This beautiful, traditional classic wedding in Tiburon by Lilia Ahner Photography has all the elements that make for a memorable day including a pair that is so photogenic.

When I first met Chenin and Nick I just adored their brilliantly warm smiles. They were so easy going and fun natured, I knew their wedding would have that same relaxed spirit. They both wanted and dreamed about a wedding that was outside in the garden near water with a bay view. I'm glad to say that Chenin got her wish because their 2009 wedding was all that and much more.

The charming couple in front of the Corinthians Yacht Club.


Chenin and Nick laughing at the ceremony.

Landmark Gardens was a fitting spot for the ceremony and just a hop, skip away from Corinthian Yacht Club.

Focusing on a seaside motif, we narrowed the colors to sand, creamy foam, ocean blue and navy. I love this image of the seashore because this is so THEM. The tie that Nick wore blends right in!


I talked Chenin into lighting and I am so glad because this image wouldn't have worked without that extra glow! Thanks Classic Party Rentals for the lighting.

Photography by Lilia Ahner

Behind the Scenes: Thank you Brooklyn Bride!

Recently, Brooklyn Bride asked me to send in a few images of our studio workspace. For those of you who are just remotely curious of what my office looks like, please read the full article at Brooklyn Bride's Blog.

Thank you Lily for taking photos.

ps: Yes, I really use a Fandeck!

Real Weddings: Wedding of the Year #8

The first moment I met Jodi, I knew her wedding would be one of my favorites of this year because like myself, she chose Kohl Mansion for her wedding. Everytime I do a wedding at Kohl I can't help but remember my own.

The words she gave to describe her wedding included romantic, feminine, elegant, fluffy, pretty, soft, yet vibrant, jewel tone. Her combination of colors included gold, magenta, raspberry, plum, lilac and eggplant.

Let's see why this is Wedding of the Year #8...

The planner made these paper cones which we filled with petals. This is a great DIY project that is simple yet fun.

Flower girls carrying simple white baskets toss petals. We had a few extra moments so Karin and Denise quickly added some chair flowers. Go team, NLCD.

My husband, Kevin, helped me break apart stock florets to place on the card table. Lovely Julie Mikos makes a simple display look so artful.
This is by far one of my favorite poses. Once again Julie the photographer made a simple, standard image become something so retro.

There is our gorgeous bride leaning against the red vintage loveseat. One the right side is the bouquet featuring Garden Roses, Sweet Peas, Lisianthus. What a wonderful color combination. I located the pink rhinestone brooch in this tiny fabric store near the LA Floral Market on a trip last year.

I always like the getting ready shots. Boy, her shoes are sexy.

> The bridesmaid bouquet featuring hot pink roses, lavender sweet peas, purple lisianthus, raspberry dahlias and magenta stock.

The gardens of Kohl Mansion are so European. I love the shapes and curves.

Classic dome shaped centerpiece with patterned linens by Classic Party Rentals.

Happy wife. Happy Life. Best Wishes.

A night to remember. Good night!

Photography by Julie Mikos

Floral and Event Design by Nancy Liu Chin Designs

Behind the Scenes: Real Cost Part II

More real costs....This one was for Bride & Bloom Magazine's table ideas. Once again photographed by Kevin Chin. This was taken at Kohl Mansion.

Behind the Scenes: The day was so windy that we had more lanterns planned to hang but we couldn't keep them from blowing all over the place. We tried many different angles and locations because we wanted it to feel tropical though we took these images in the courtyard of an English Tudor mansion.

As the day wore on, it just got so breezy but I applaud John Woods from Enhanced Lighting for putting them up. This wasn't our finest hour and to be honest, in person the table just looked more interesting and vibrant but I think with the weather, the lighting conditions changing and the flowers flying off the table (at least 3 times), by the time we got around to shot, we were all wiped out and so was this table spread.

I believe the final shot didn't feature the white padded cushions. And I don't know if you can see this "rejected" image on the right but that's Anne Millett's hand in the photo. She's holding the linen down because it's so darn "windy".

Yes, we couldn't find a runner fast enough so we "folded" the rectangular linen to make it look like a runner!!!

Here's the approximate cost.

Table Design:

White Padded Cushions and Wooden Bench Rental(4 at $7000 each) = $280.00

Specialty Linen Rental(1 at $37.50) = $37.50

Wooden Table Rental (1 at $90.00) = $90.00

Green Tapered Glassware Rental, 2 glass per setting, 16 pieces(16 at $.85) = $13.60

Specialty Napkins Rental (8 at $1.55) =$12.40

Bamboo Flatware, 4 pieces per setting, 32 pieces(32 at $.55) = $17.60

1 by 10 by 10 inch Glass Container (8 at $10.00) = $80.00*

Frosted Dinner Plate Rental (8 at $.55) = $4.40

Frosted Salad Plate Rental (8 at $.55) = $4.40

Centerpiece(3 2 Anthurium plus Monstera Leaves) at Retail = $200.00

Bud Arrangements (3 King Protea in Clay Asian Vases) at Retail = $40.00

Pier One Import Containers = $99.97

Tan Candles from Ikea = $5.99

Bag of Seashells from Coast = $7.99

5 White Paper Lanterns from Pearl River= $33.00**

Invitation, Menu Cards by Mira Aster and Peculiar Pair Press = Cannot be determined

Custom Fabric Boxes with Spice Favors by Gloria Wong Design = Cannot be determined

Total Before Taxes and Delivery Fee = $926.85

*The glass is hard to see but we used this 1 inch by 10 by 10 glass upside down as a riser.

**Not including shipping of labor to hang lanterns

About Nancy: Floral Summit

I am excited to take part in the upcoming Wedding 360's The Academy for Planners + Designers program. When Jubilee Lau and Jean Marks, founders of Wedding 360, first asked me to be apart of The Academy I was quite honored(I'll be part of a great panel). There are so few opportunities to meet with top professionals and to learn from some of the industry's most respected insiders. The subjects range from design, business operations, production process, marketing, pr, and much more.

Being sensitive to the needs of floral designers, Jubilee and Jean were very quick to create an additional program aptly called The Floral Summit. The Floral Summit will be an extension to the learnings from The Academy and will be an intensive 2-hour discussion which Amy Marella of Hidden Garden and I will be leading.

Sean Low, of The Business of Being Creative, will be present for the first hour to share his expertise on specific topics related to the floral industry. The second hour will be an open discussion led by Amy and myself.

The Floral Summit is held in an intimate setting, so space is limited to 15 floral designers; acceptance will be on a first come, first served basis and the cost is $100 to participate. This is open only to those who are confirmed registrant of The Academy for Planners + Designers. Registration can be made by contacting Julie@wedding360llc.com.

Date of Summit: Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Location of Summit: The St. Regis San Francisco

Time of Summit: 10:30am-12:30pm

Can't wait to meet some of you at the Academy for Planners + Designers!

Real Weddings: Wedding of the Year #7

Wedding of the Year #7 was photographed by Augie Chang. Augie is actually a friend of mine and I'm so thrilled that we finally got to work side by side. And of course, he didn't disappoint.

Our lovely couple is adorable! So sweet and cute.




This is the lovely Sharon sitting at the Four Season Silicon Valley's restaurant.

The bouquet features Garden Roses! Love.

Right outside of Stanford Chapel.

The dramatic lighting by Enhanced Lighting. Beautiful rentals from Classic Party Rentals.

The centerpiece of branches with peach and coral orchids with hanging votives.
Cake by the Four Seasons Silicon Valley.

The hanging twinkle lights added to the dance floor decor. All the wonderful planning was by Jubilee Lau Events who planned everything flawlessly.